4 ms·
It's the visceral reaction to creating a more human-like chimp. A mouse is dissimilar enough that we don't have an innate revulsion to tweaking mouse genes. But
by hackinthebochs 14y ago
It's the visceral reaction to creating a more human-like chimp. A mouse is dissimilar enough that we don't have an innate revulsion to tweaking mouse genes. But for chimps it's another story. Most people are already uncomfortable with the idea that we're closely related to chimps. Tweaking their genes to give them what is a uniquely human feature? No way will the unwashed masses go for that.
- alexsb92 14y agoSometimes I wish there would be a country somewhere with an incredible driving force behind science where things like this would be possible. Still partake in ethical research, but reject the knee jerk emotional reactions that some experiments might cause. Would probably advance some fields quite a bit. It also always happens that when i imagine it, it's on a big island.
- atlantic 14y agoYes, the island of Dr. Moreau. Wells was hardly a member of the great unwashed masses, yet he perceived the dangers of this particular line of research over a century ago. It might be worth a read - scientists are often not the best people to pass judgement on the ethics of their own activities.
- alexsb92 14y agoThanks! I'll check it out. And i generally agree with your last statement, so by no means do i wish for an island completely ruled by scientists, but I think it would be neat to have a country/city state type thing incredibly renowned by their scientific breakthroughs.
- btilly 14y agoAh, the uncanny valley. I've long noticed that I have less of that reaction than most. I'd be more curious at the prospect of talking to a chimp than repulsed by it. But yes, that would explain a lot.